News Summary
Researchers at the University of South Florida have upgraded the CRIS-HAZARD flood app, improving its flood monitoring capabilities in the Tampa Bay area. The app, originally launched in 2024, utilizes crowd-sourced images to inform local flood response. Recent enhancements were influenced by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, significantly increasing the number of cameras deployed for better data collection. The upgrades aim to foster community engagement and improve emergency responses amidst evolving weather patterns and climate change challenges in Florida.
Tampa Bay, Florida—Researchers at the University of South Florida (USF) have enhanced the CRIS-HAZARD flood app, initially launched in Pinellas County in September 2024, to improve monitoring and management of flooding in the region. The recent upgrades come in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which impacted the Tampa Bay area, providing critical data for the app’s development and effectiveness.
CRIS-HAZARD, created by USF geosciences professor Barnali Dixon, functions as a crowdsourcing platform similar to Waze, allowing residents to upload photographs of flooding conditions in their neighborhoods. These photos are vital, as they help depict the extent and depth of flooding through the app’s AI and computer vision technology. The app’s infrastructure has been notably bolstered following the recent hurricanes, with a significant increase in the number of solar-powered cameras deployed by USF’s team. The camera count rose from eight to 31 over the past year, with plans for additional installations to enhance flood monitoring capabilities.
The app leverages crowd-sourced images and data to create a comprehensive flood map accessible through the website www.stormsquard.org. This platform uses reference images to compare normal water levels to those that rise during flooding events. By translating residents’ lived experiences into actionable data, CRIS-HAZARD provides invaluable insights into local flooding conditions, aiding in emergency response efforts. The app allows local authorities to optimize the deployment of rescue vehicles and respond appropriately to areas in need.
A particularly notable feature highlighted by recent findings involves the differentiation between the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Helene generated substantial storm surge and yielded more data due to the abundance of cameras capturing rising water levels. In contrast, Milton’s effects were primarily related to heavy rainfall, which limited available information for effective flood monitoring.
Looking ahead, Gulfport is the next community targeted for additional camera installations, which will further enrich the flood monitoring network. The successful framework established by the CRIS-HAZARD project allows for potential scaling to other counties and municipalities; however, such expansion is contingent upon securing funding beyond the current National Science Foundation grant, which concludes in 2026.
Dixon also poses an interesting hypothesis: that severe no-name storms may indicate flood risks even when evacuations are not mandated. This perspective encourages residents to actively capture and submit photos of local weather conditions to keep their neighbors informed. The goal is to build a more engaged community capable of reporting on the flood-related challenges faced at a neighborhood level, fostering direct communication with local authorities.
Among the app’s recent enhancements is the use of AI for categorizing the severity of flooding based on user-uploaded images. This feature provides an additional level of detail, ensuring authorities receive accurate and timely information, which is critical for effective flood management and response.
As the CRIS-HAZARD project continues to evolve, USF’s initiatives are anticipated to grow the app’s community engagement capabilities further. Local efforts supported by this technology enable residents to report urgent issues, such as blocked storm drains or immediate needs for aid during emergencies. As it stands, the CRIS-HAZARD app has proven to be an essential tool in navigating the complexities of flooding in Florida and could play a significant role in addressing the challenges posed by future weather events and climate change across vulnerable communities in the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Weather Alerts Impact Tampa Bay
Severe Thunderstorms Hit Tampa Bay Area
Florida Enacts Significant Reforms with New State Laws
TGH Highlights Strategic Plans and Achievements at Community Event
CRIS-HAZARD Flood App Enhanced After Recent Hurricanes
Tampa Allocates $2 Million for Affordable Housing Amid Controversy
New Tropical Wave Could Develop into Depression
Hurricane Erin Threatens Florida and East Coast
Tampa Bay Reflects on Hurricane Debby One Year Later
St. Petersburg Unveils $159.8 Million Hurricane Recovery Plan
Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: Flood App Developed by USF Team Sees Upgrades One Year After Helene and Milton
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flooding
- USF Oracle: USF Researchers Develop App to Monitor Flooding During Hurricanes
- Google Search: Flood Monitoring Technology
- St. Pete Catalyst: USF App Crowdsources Flood Data to Predict Future Risk
- Fox 13 News: USF Launches New App Designed to Help Community During Future Storms
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
